"What is truth?" said Pilate, as he turned his back on Jesus. Of course he meant it to be a sarcastic hypothetical question. I believe he had no idea of its prophetic implications.
And so today, as always, mankind struggles with the concept and definition of truth. But I think the greater struggle comes after coming to an understanding of truth, however simplistic or childish that understanding might be. Due to our basic psychological makeup, a strange thing happens when we come to understand truth on however small or great a level. Owing to our subconscious acknowledgement that truth shall prevail, we suddenly feel empowered. We now have ammunition that we didn't have before, and we can hardly wait to use it. This is human nature.
And this is how truth can backfire on us. Like a chain saw in the hands of a child, truth can do more harm than good. Once we learn some truth, we must then learn how to handle it properly. Most of us have witnessed the devastation caused by an unwise or self-seeking individual who insists on blurting out some string of counterproductive, yet true facts.
So wisdom, which comes only after truth is known, is that which governs and regulates one's dispensing of truth. Even as the Christian enjoys a life of grace, above the law (not under it), in the same way his wisdom should enjoy a place over and above truth (not ignoring it!). Christ came not to abolish or nullify the law, but to fulfill it. Man was not created for the Sabbath, but the Sabbath for man. In the same way, it is not God's intent that truth should tyrannize or subjugate us, for the Truth of God liberates and glorifies us!
Wisdom is knowing which truth to present and when, as well as which truth to leave undisclosed. Love covers over a multitude of sins.
Love rejoices in the truth, but it doesn't always blab it from the rooftop. Sometimes love doesn't tell the truth. Love never lies, but sometimes it keeps its mouth shut.
Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. —Proverbs 10:12 NIV